Photographic emoji communications systems and methods of use

ABSTRACT

Photographic emoji communications systems and methods of use are provided herein. An example method receiving a plurality of image files from a user device, each of the image files including a selfie of the user; for each of the plurality of image files, determining a reaction emotion of an associated selfie based on facial attributes of the user; storing the plurality of image files in a repository, each of the plurality of image files being labeled with a respective reaction emotion as a selfiemoji; receiving a request to include one of the selfiemojis in a message; and inserting one of the selfiemojis into the message.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to emoji systems andmethods, and more specifically, but not by limitation to systems andmethods that allow for the creation and use of photographic emojicommunications. Users can create libraries of photographs, videos,animated gifs and so forth that are associated with a unique emotion.The users can use these selfiemojis in place of caricature or animatedemojis, allowing for personalization and wider range of capturedemotion.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to amethod comprising receiving a plurality of image files from a userdevice, each of the image files comprising a selfie of the user; foreach of the plurality of image files, determining a reaction emotion ofan associated selfie based on facial attributes of the user; storing theplurality of image files in a repository, each of the plurality of imagefiles being labeled with a respective reaction emotion as a selfiemoji;receiving a request to include one of the selfiemojis in a message; andinserting one of the selfiemojis into the message.

According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to asystem comprising processor; and a memory for storing executableinstructions, the processor executing the instructions to: receive aplurality of image files from a user device, each of the image filescomprising a selfie of the user; for each of the plurality of imagefiles, determine a reaction emotion of an associated selfie based onfacial attributes of the user; store the plurality of image files in arepository, each of the plurality of image files being labeled with arespective reaction emotion as a selfiemoji; receive a request toinclude one of the selfiemojis in a message; and insert one of theselfiemojis into the message.

According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to anon-transitory computer readable medium having recorded thereon aprogram, the program when executed causing a computer to performs amethod comprising: receiving a plurality of image files from a userdevice, each of the image files comprising a selfie of the user; foreach of the plurality of image files, determining a reaction emotion ofan associated selfie based on facial attributes of the user; storing theplurality of image files in a repository, each of the plurality of imagefiles being labeled with a respective reaction emotion as a selfiemoji;receiving a request to include one of the selfiemojis in a message; andinserting one of the selfiemojis into the message.

Some embodiments also comprise providing the selfiemojis of other usersto the user based on a subscription plan.

One or more embodiments comprise tracking metrics of selfiemojis used bythe third party application; and receiving compensation from the thirdparty application based on the tracking metrics.

Various embodiments also comprise providing the user with access to theselfiemojis of the user based on a subscription plan, and providingaccess to premium photo filters and premium themes to the user for acost. Some embodiments comprise limiting a number of the selfiemojisthat can be utilized by the user in a given period of time.

According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to amethod, comprising: presenting, through a graphical user interface on acomputing device, a user with a reaction emotion category providedthrough a prompt; activating a camera of the computing device; obtainingan image file from the user using the camera, the image file comprisinga selfie of the user; and storing image file in a repository, the imagefile being tagged with the reaction emotion as a selfiemoji.

One or more embodiments comprise receiving a request to include theselfiemoji in a message; and inserting the selfiemoji into the message.

In one or more embodiments, the user device automatically capturesimages (e.g., photograph or video) of the user while the user is viewingor otherwise accessing content on the device. The user then selects fromthese automatically captured images as their selfiemoji. In otherembodiments, the image file is selected by a selfiemoji logic or systemthat processes the selected image file and detects which emotion is mostlikely expressed in the image file by the user.

An intensity of an emotion or reaction expressed by a user in aselfiemoji is quantified by a user, a user base (e.g., crowdsourcedopinion), or an artificial intelligence platform.

In some embodiments, the systems disclosed herein utilize AI whichlearns a likely emotional state of the user while viewing the content.The AI learns by comparing previously saved data and using the device togenerate biometric data, such as the device's finger print sensor toscan the user's heartbeat, sound recorder to record verbal commands andverbal cues by the user, the camera to determine the dilation of theuser's pupils and scanning the user's facial cues, hand gestures andbody language to determine the user's emotional state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present technology are illustrated by theaccompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are notnecessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understandingof the technology or that render other details difficult to perceive maybe omitted. It will be understood that the technology is not necessarilylimited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example system that can be used topractice aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example selfiemoji method.

FIG. 3 is a screenshot of a GUI that illustrates generic emoji iconsthat are selectable to create selfiemojis of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a screenshot of a GUI that illustrates the display of aplurality of emoji icons and reaction emotion categories.

FIG. 5 is a screenshot of a GUI that illustrates selection of a specificemoji icon.

FIG. 6 is a screenshot of a GUI that illustrates a popup for receiving aphotograph of a user that is used to create a selfiemoji.

FIG. 7 is a screenshot of a GUI that illustrates a gallery ofphotographs and images that were previously stored in association with areaction emotion, i.e., selfiemojis.

FIG. 8 is a screenshot of a GUI that illustrates a selected selfiemojiphotograph and editing tools therefore according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a screenshot of a GUI that illustrates the replacement of ageneric emoji icon with a selfiemoji photograph according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a screenshot of a GUI that illustrates the initiation ofcreating a new custom selfiemoji according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a screenshot of a GUI that illustrates the editing of acustom photograph obtained from a camera, such as a mobile phone camera,or a webcam according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a screenshot of a GUI that illustrates the selfiemoji as aselectable option on a webpage.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of another example emoji creation and usagemethod.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an example computing machine that canbe used to implement aspects of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

While this technology is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail several specific embodiments with the understanding that thepresent disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of theprinciples of the technology and is not intended to limit the technologyto the embodiments illustrated.

For context, within social networking/social media websites, such asFacebook™, users can “react” to another user's posts and comments(referred to generally as “content”) by clicking a “Like” button, andselecting any one of a plurality of system defined “reactions”. Thereactions are symbolized with icons depicting emotional states that theuser can choose from to best describe their emotional response as aresult of viewing the user's content. These icons are often animations,cartoons, and drawings such as smiley faces.

With the Facebook example, the user can choose their “reaction” byselecting from the facial icons (commonly called “emojis”) that Facebookprovides. With some platforms a user's choices are limited to the emojisdepicting like, love, laugh, wow, sad, and angry. The social networkkeeps count of all of the user's reactions and displays it for all usersto see.

For general description, the following terms will be defined. An emojiis a small digital image or icon used to express an idea, emotion, andso forth in electronic communication. Emojis can be static image or ananimated image or video. A reaction/react is a part of the socialnetworking platform's interaction system that allows a user to selectfrom a list of “emojis” to express their emotional state as a result ofviewing a post or comment, and attaching the selected emoji to the postor comment.

With respect to the systems and methods disclosed herein a selfiemoji issimilar to a reaction, but instead of an emoji face, selfiemojicomprises a human face (in some embodiments the user's own or from alibrary) to depict the emoji. Selfiemojis can be used everywhere emojiscan be used, in posts, comments, shares, and other applications,including third party apps through APIs (application programminginterfaces).

In general, an API is a set of subroutine definitions, protocols, andtools for building application software. In general terms, it is a setof clearly defined methods of communication between various softwarecomponents. A good API makes it easier to develop a computer program byproviding all the building blocks, which are then put together by theprogrammer. An API may be for a web-based system, operating system,database system, computer hardware or software library. An APIspecification can take many forms, but often includes specifications forroutines, data structures, object classes, variables or remote calls.POSIX, Microsoft Windows API, the C++ Standard Template Library and JavaAPIs are examples of different forms of APIs. Documentation for the APIis usually provided to facilitate usage.

Generally speaking, the present disclosure is directed to systems andmethods that enable the creation, display and management of human selfiephotographs, human selfie animated photographs, human selfie video todepict emotions, and similar related concepts. These features arecollectively referred to herein as selfiemojis, as defined above. From acontent format perspective selfiemoji, in some embodiments, can comprisean image, a video or short video clip, an animated gif, or other similarcontent formats. In general, an animated gif is an animated GraphicsInterchange Format, which is in turn a bitmap image format file. Whileexamples here may refer to specific content formats, such as aselfiemoji as a picture or image, it will be understood that aselfiemoji can have any desired content format. Also, for brevity, theterm “image file” or “photograph” will be understood to include bothstatic image files (e.g., pictures) and dynamic image files (e.g.,animated gifs and videos).

Some embodiments may involve the use of an “outtake” which is a video orpicture that was created in the video production process that was notincluded in the final video. These outtakes can be stored and utilizedin accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein.

Systems and methods that provide selfiemojis solve a host of computingtechnology centered problems for various users. Selfiemojis provide asolution for a user, who is defined herein as a person using a socialnetwork/social media website to post, interact and engage with otherusers. Rather than requiring the user to select from a pre-defined orsupported set of emojis as defined by the social network, the user cancreate their own “reaction” beyond the default reactions and emojisprovided by the social networking platform. In addition, the user canelect to take a “selfie” picture of their face and use their own face asthe reaction image instead of a cartoon image of a regular emoji. Theuser can also search through the database for other emojis provided bythe platform and selfiemojis created by other users. In these ways, theuser has a much greater variety of choices to more accurately depicttheir emotion and preferred response.

Users who post original content that other users are reacting to withtheir Selfiemojis have a better understanding of actual user emotions byseeing the Selfiemojis with the user's facial expressions. Businessescan also benefit from the systems and methods disclosed herein whichprovide the businesses with better metrics and data analytics to moreaccurately target their audience for advertisements and increased sales.

Social networking platform system administrators can provide users withunlimited choices of selfiemojis for the users to select as theirreaction. Administrators can create contests to promote higher activeuser participation. Social networking platforms can create revenuestreams from premium services provided by the selfiemojis.

Third party websites, mobile applications, and third party developerscan greatly increase the traffic to their website. Third partydevelopers can use a published selfiemoji APIs to implement selfiemojison their website and mobile applications. An authorized application canthen connect into a selfiemoji database of users who have alreadycreated selfiemojis. Websites that implement the selfiemoji APIs do nothave to recreate the selfiemoji system themselves, thus savingprogramming cost and time. For example, a WordPress™ plugin can beimplemented that utilizes the selfiemoji APIs. In some embodiments, aplugin can be installed into any number of websites powered by theWordPress platform. When the plugin is installed, users with an activeselfiemoji account can access a commenting system of the WordPresswebsite without being required to complete a registration process forthe website. Users without a selfiemoji account can create an accountwithout ever leaving the website.

Selfiemojis enhance user engagement on any website that has theselfiemoji APIs implemented by giving users the ability to use anin-application camera to create their own selfiemojis using the user'sown face to express the emotion or idea. Third party software developerscan use the published selfiemoji APIs and connect to a selfiemojidatabase of users. Selfiemojis can be monetized by charging a fee toaccess the premium features in some embodiments.

In sum, users can directly embed their facial expressions as reactionsinstead of using impersonal emojis. This personalizes socialinteractions and makes the user's social engagement feel more subjectiveand authentic. Users can quickly identify the user feedback on theirposts, which is often not possible when using pre-generated icons thatmay or may not accurately represent the emotion of the user. Also, theuser's actual facial expression may deviate from what is provided by thesocial network platform in an emoji. For example, an excitement emojiprovided by a social network platform may substantially differ from anexcitement reaction that can be created using a photograph or video of ahuman being. Thus, selfiemojis provide for nuance and granularexpression of an intensity of emotion by the user.

The user interface automatically adjusts the display of the selfiemojisbased on various factors, including membership level, gamificationstatistics, and other metrics collected through the use of theselfiemojis.

In some embodiments, a selfiemoji application of the present disclosurecan be implemented on mobile device which comprises software that can beoperated via a social network user interface, but also independently asa standalone application. Interactive user interfaces can be usedcontrol the mobile device to present reactions for selection andgeneration of an indexed library of selfiemojis through capture ofphotographs using an integrated or external camera. The application canalso be web-based and hosted on a server or cloud, or can also beexecuted on a laptop or other personal computer with a webcam.

Management of selfiemoji can comprise an ability to post theseselfiemojis to a social network or other website, as well as access to ahistory line of selfiemojis allowing a user to see evolution of theuser's selfiemojis over time.

Some embodiments comprise a master selfiemoji library which providesaccess to a user and/or a third party to a user's selfiemojis accordingto subscription model or other monetization scheme.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example system or architecture 100that can be used to practice aspects of the present disclosure. In moredetail, the system 100 comprises an application server 102 or cloud thatfacilitates selfiemoji features disclosed herein. A user 104 can utilizea computing device 106, such as a Smartphone to interact with theapplication server 102 and create and utilize selfiemojis. The computingdevice 106 and the application server 102 are communicatively coupledover a network 108, which can comprise any public and/or privatecommunications network.

It will be understood that the computing device 106 can comprise anycomputing device that is known to one of ordinary skill in the art.Examples include, but are not limited to mobile devices, laptopcomputers, personal computers, or any other similar computing device orsystem.

A third party platform 110, such as a social network platform, isaccessible by the computing device 106 over the network 108 as well.

In some embodiments, the computing device 106 can utilize the selfiemojifeatures of the application server 102 directly. In other embodiments,the computing device 106 can interact with the third party platform 110.In these embodiments, the third party platform 110 is communicativelycoupled with the application server 102 through an API provided by theapplication server 102. To be sure, any number or type of third partyplatform can access the selfiemoji features of the application server102.

In some embodiments, the application server 102 provides a web-basedinterface (e.g., GUI—graphical user interface) that allows a user tocreate or utilize selfiemojis. Example GUIs are provided in FIGS. 3-12,which are described in greater detail infra.

In another embodiment, the computing device 106 executes a selfiemojiapplication that allows a user to create or utilize selfiemojis asdisclosed herein. The selfiemoji application allows for interaction withthe computing device 106. In some embodiments, the application server102 and/or a client end user device, such as a mobile device orworkstation is configured with a biometric reader, such as a built-inbiometric device or a device attached thereto. The biometric device is afingerprint scanner, eye scanner or other type of reader which isconfigured to gather biometrics in response to a user being scanned orimaged by the biometric device. In some embodiments, the biometricdevice mentioned is one of the input device(s) 30 in FIG. 14.

The application server and/or client end user device includes an AImachine learning system (AI hardware and/or AI software) configured tolearn a likely emotional state of the user while viewing the content.The AI machine learning system is configured to learn by comparingpreviously saved data and using the aforesaid biometric device togenerate biometric data, such as the device's finger print sensor toscan the user's heartbeat, sound recorder to record verbal commands andverbal cues by the user, the camera to determine the dilation of theuser's pupils and scanning the user's facial cues, hand gestures andbody language to determine the user's emotional state.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example method of creating and storingselfiemojis in accordance with the present disclosure. In thisembodiment, the method includes a step 202 of receiving a request tocreate one or more selfiemojis. This could include a user selecting orrequesting through an application on their mobile device or on acomputing device that is coupled with a selfiemoji application serverthat is served a web-based selfiemoji application. Also, this couldinclude a third party application requesting the creation of aselfiemoji rather than the user. For example, the third partyapplication can request the creation of a selfiemoji when the userselects to use an emoji.

The user can create an account that is stored on the selfiemojiapplication server. When selfiemojis are created, they are linked to theuser account. In some embodiments, a selfiemoji is obtained and linkedto a particular reaction emotion. A plurality of selfiemojis can becreated that are each associated with a unique reaction emotion.

In order to obtain and create these various selfiemojis, the methodincludes a step 204 of the selfiemoji application server presenting theuser with a graphical user interface that includes a prompt or messagerelated to a particular reaction emotion. Using an in-application camerainterface, the selfiemoji application server can inform the user that aparticular reaction emotion is desired, such as a message or promptreading “let's see your happy face”. Example selfiemojis can bepresented to the user to assist the user and re-enforce the type ofreaction selected and remind user to pose for a camera accordingly.

The method then includes a step 206 of obtaining from a remote cameraassociated with the computing device a photograph. This can occur whenthe user clicks a button on the GUI provided by the selfiemojiapplication server. In another embodiment the selfiemoji applicationserver can initiate a photograph automatically through a timedcountdown. Rather than obtaining a photograph using the camera, the usercan also select a previously obtained photograph stored on their device.

In some embodiments, the method includes a step 208 of presenting theuser with editing options for the photograph. For example, the user canbe provided with GUI based options to apply editing options that can addcontent, such as computer generated images or text, image correcting(e.g., crop, tone), green-screen effects that remove a background in thephotograph other than the user's face, and facial recognition features,and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, facial recognitionfeatures are provided in order to differentiate between a user's faceand other objects in a photograph. When implemented using artificialintelligence, the AI functionality of the system prevents selection ofimages or videos that are not qualified, i.e. it prevents selection ofimages or videos that are not consistent with the particular reactionemotion associated with the selfiemoji. For example, if the systemdetermines that a photograph has a face that is obviously happy (e.g.,detects a smile using facial recognition), the photograph will not bequalified as a “sad” selfiemoji.

The facial recognition can also assist in determining an emotion on theface of the user in a photograph. For example, if the user is promptedto provide a sad face, and the user instead provides a smile, the facialrecognition features can detect that the user failed to provide theproper emotion and can prompt the user to retake the photograph.Otherwise, the photograph can be stored if desired. This can be based ona comparison between other selfiemojis stored by the selfiemojiapplication server, or based on a model generated from a composite of aplurality of photographs that represent a reaction emotion.

Thus, one or more computer generated graphics can be applied onto theone of the selfiemojis selected by the user through a graphical userinterface as a computer generated graphic.

In addition to using facial recognition, the present disclosure can bedirected also to using artificial intelligence (AI), simulatedartificial intelligence, deep neural networks, and so forth in order todetermine or recognize facial expressions and reaction emotions inphotographs.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the systems and methodsdisclosed herein provide the ability for user base community moderation.An example of a user base community moderation, involves, in addition tousing facial recognition, a user based community of moderators todetermine or recognize facial expressions and reaction emotions inphotographs. Additionally, the user can give permission for theselfiemoji application to turn on a camera or webcam when viewing anywebsite or application that has the selfiemoji features installed orlinked through an appropriate API.

In these embodiments, a user can select an image to share from thecamera playback of captured images. The selfiemoji application or systemuses AI to predict the images and emotional reactions the user willlikely select. The user then approves/disapproves preselected images andreaction emotion assigned by the AI.

In some embodiments, in addition to controlling a camera or webcam, somesystems of the present disclosure can implement biometric scanning. Asnoted above, the AI learns by comparing previously saved data and usingthe device to generate biometric data, such as the device's finger printsensor to scan the user's heartbeat, sound recorder to record verbalcommands and verbal cues by the user, the camera to determine thedilation of the user's pupils and scanning the user's facial cues, handgestures and body language to determine the user's emotional state.

Thus, the systems disclosed herein can utilize any number of biometricscanning devices, either integrated into a computing device orconnectable as a standalone device to gather biometric information aboutthe user. In some instances, the biometric data is obtained at the sametime the user or the system is taking a photograph. The system cancorrelate the biometric data to the photograph, for example, to confirm,falsify, or fine-tune the inferred emotion.

AI continues to learn from user's preferences in some embodiments basedon feedback, corrections, and manual associations between photographsand reaction emotions.

In one or more embodiments, a user can create an online AI identityusing selfiemojis to communicate with other users, similarly to using anavatar.

In various embodiments, the selfiemoji application server can providethe user with the ability to accept or reject the ability to monetizethe selfiemoji. For example, the selfiemoji application server can, ifpermission is obtained, charge subscription fee to the user or any otheruser to view a selfiemoji.

In step 210, the method includes storing the selfiemoji at theselfiemoji application server. For example, the selfiemoji (e.g.,photograph linked with a reaction emotion) can be stored locally at theuser's device, in a selfiemoji repository with selfiemojis from otherusers, or also in the user's account maintained by the selfiemojiapplication server.

The method can then include presenting the user with a list of reactionemotions such as happy, sad, anger, confusion, perplexed, and so forth.

In some embodiments, the request to create one or more selfiemojis iswithin the context of the user interacting with a third partyapplication, such as a social network. In one embodiment, a socialnetwork utilizes the selfiemoji function through an API to theselfiemoji application server.

When the user views a post on the social network or mobile application,in response to clicking on post, a reaction interface is presented tothe user for selecting a selfiemojis to be associated with the useraccount and the particular reaction/emotion being depicted. Thisreaction interface can be provided by the social network, a selfiemojiapplication executing on the mobile device, and so forth.

The user is presented with a list of “reactions” to create a selfiedepicting that reaction. Next, the user selects a reaction to create andis then presented a message or prompts to react according to theselected type of reaction emotion. For example, the user is asked to“look happy”, “look sad”, “look angry”, “look surprised” and so on tore-enforce the type of reaction selected and remind user to pose for thecamera accordingly. The method can proceed with obtaining a photographand tagging or linking the photograph to the prompted reaction emotion.If desired, the user can edit the photo as noted above. The selfiemojiis inserted into the social network post as mediated by the third partyapplication.

In some embodiments, other users can interact with the user's selfiemojiby commenting text or sending a selfiemoji reaction.

With respect to third party development. A third party developer cancreate a developer account with the selfiemoji application server.General verification and authentication protocols can be established. Insome embodiments, third party applications make API calls to theselfiemoji application server when needed. These third party developerscan “pay to play” at increasing levels of participation—i.e.,subscribing to higher levels for more bandwidth and other premiumservices

The selfiemoji application allows for creation of selfie photographsassociated with reactions. While logged in the user can post to otherthird party sites using selfies and associated reactions. In someembodiment, the user's selfiemoji account and social network account arelinked together via APIs to enable these features. For example, thesocial network can be integrated within the selfiemoji platform.

In some embodiments, when a user logs out of their account, the user canalso go a third party application and view the selfiemojis they createdif the third party application has authorization to show selfiemojis. Insome embodiments, these selfiemojis cannot be posted to the third partyapplication unless the user has logged into their selfiemojis accountand enabled account subscription, or provided the third-partyapplication with permission.

The selfiemoji application server also allows for tracking metricsconcerning usage of selfiemojis and associated information whether fromusers or third parties. Metrics include, but are not limited to, numberof reactions generated, intensity of reaction(s), comments generated,votes accumulated, number of likes, number of selfies, dates and times,tips as a result of a post and so forth.

In another use case, selfiemojis are created in a semi-automatic manner.In these embodiments, users allow the creation of selfiemojis throughtheir camera or webcam. The user uses their device (which includes acamera or webcam) to surf the web and/or use other applications. Duringusage, a camera captures user's facial reactions during their deviceusage.

Next, the user is presented with a choice of images to use for areaction selfiemoji. Again, these can be example selfiemojis obtainedfrom other users or stock images. In some embodiments, the user isallowed to take multiple photographs, create multiple selfiemojis, andselect their preferred selfiemoji. The user selects desired image to useas the selfiemoji and edits the selfiemoji if desired.

As noted above, the user can set permissions and assigns for theselfiemoji that allow for monetization. The user can then select to saveand/or publish the selfiemoji for current or later use.

In some embodiments, users can view selfiemojis that their access levelpermits. For example, if the user has paid only to view theirselfiemojis, the user may not be allowed to view the selfiemojis ofother users. In these instances, the selfiemojis of other users may bereplaced with generic or stock emojis, and/or generic or stockselfiemojis (e.g., pre-generated selfiemojis). If the user desires toview and/or use other users' selfiemojis, the user can request and/orpay for the ability to see selfiemojis other than their own. In someembodiments, a user can publish their selfiemoji with explicitpermission that allows other users to use the selfiemoji as their ownfor a subscription or, in some instances, for free.

In one or more embodiments, the user can view the selfiemojis shared byusers who have reacted to the post and comment. For example, when theuser hovers mouse over the “like” button the selfiemojis shared for thepost will display by the third party application

A gesture such as a tap or swipe can be used on the selfiemojisapplications to display selfiemojis.

In various embodiments, users have a settings option for viewing theselfiemoji. These settings can include but are not limited to number ofimages to display per screen, size of image, filtering to include andexclude, animation on/off, and others. Some applications and systems canimplement selfiemojis based on search filter criteria.

Also in some embodiments, users are provided with different permissionlevels. For example, some users actually view a history line of anotheruser's selfiemojis. Thus, a history of their library showing the historyand different types of selfiemojis used by the particular user and/orposts to third party or selfie platform and the different kinds ofselfies and reactions used by a particular user.

As noted above, the selfiemoji applications and features can bemonetized by creating premium digital goods and services. For example,premium features can include, but are not limited to, premium photofilters, premium themes, number of selfiemojis the user can publish,permission to view premium selfiemojis, and so forth—just to name a few.

FIGS. 3-12 collectively illustrate a process for selfiemoji creation anduse in accordance with the present disclosure. With respect to FIG. 3, auser visits a webpage 300 running a selfiemoji module, application, orAPI. In this example, only basic emoji icons are displayed, such as icon302. Content, such as a textual comment 304 appears above the commentsand the reactions.

In this example, the “happy” emoji 302 has been previously selected.When this webpage loads, the selfiemoji module requests data from theselfiemoji API server, referred to above as the selfiemoji applicationserver. The selfiemoji applications server checks if the user iscurrently logged in to their selfiemoji account. If so, then the visitoris presented with the selfiemojis that the user has the permission levelto view. The style that the webpage renders the API data is customizablein some embodiments.

The user then hovers their mouse pointer over the “reactions” link 306and activates the selfiemoji module as illustrated in FIG. 4. The usercan select their “reaction” from the system defined reaction emojis (theemoji icons) that are linked to the happy reaction emotion, or create aselfiemoji to replace the emoji icon 302.

In this example, it is assumed that the user has not uploaded anyselfiemojis. Thus, the website displays the default emoji icons for eachreaction emotion. As illustrated, the emotion icon 302 has a message of“replace” displayed above thereof, as in FIG. 5. The user hovers overthe “happy” emoji 302 and clicks on the replace tab 308.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in response, a popup menu 310 appears for theuser to select an image or photograph. User clicks inside the “SelectSelf Emoji” area 312 to initiate the photo selection process.

If the visitor already has a selfiemoji account, then the Selfie imagescan be located on the selfiemoji API server or locally on the user'sdevice as illustrated in this figure. The client software (website orapplication) uses the API's to access those images stored on theselfiemoji API server. An example selfiemoji gallery 314 maintained onthe user's device is illustrated in FIG. 7. As illustrated, eachphotograph or other selfiemoji content is labeled with a reactionemotion.

For mobile users, a user's primary choices of creating selfiemojis are(1) through the use of an in-application camera and (2) webcam forwebsite visitors. In this example the user chooses the “Happy” file 316.

Prior to publishing, the user can edit the selected selfiemoji selectedfrom the selfiemoji photograph gallery using editing featuresillustrated in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, editing of the photographused for the selfiemoji can be performed locally by website software, bythe selfiemoji application, or through the selfiemoji API serverinterface.

When the user clicks on the save icon 318, the website or selfiemojiapplication sends an API Post to the selfiemoji application server thatcontains the pertinent data regarding the newly created selfiemoji. Theselfiemoji application server accepts posted data and writes thepertinent data into the database, and stores the uploaded image as aselfiemoji. Again, this includes storing a photograph in combinationwith a reaction emotion.

FIG. 9 illustrates the selfiemoji API server sending availableselfiemojis (e.g., comprising a photograph as illustrated), such asselfiemoji 320 to the client for the selfiemojis application to render.In this instance, the happy emoji icon has been replaced with the happyselfiemoji 320.

In some embodiments, the user repeats process for another examplereaction emotion, such as a mad emoji and replaces it with a madselfiemoji. The selfiemoji application server stores pertinentinformation into a database that is accessible as a library or imagegallery.

In some embodiments, users using the selfiemoji system have the abilityto create “custom” selfiemojis. For instance, custom selfiemojis areuser created “reactions” that are not already in the system default listof emojis. In FIG. 10, a user clicks on the “+” sign 324 to create acustom personal selfiemoji.

In FIG. 11, a popup 326 appears as before, but with an entry field 328labeled “Category Name”. The Category Name is the name of the customselfiemoji depicting a custom reaction emotion which may or may not bein the list of the default reaction emotions or generic emojis.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the user enters “suspicious” in the categoryfield, and saves the selfiemoji. Thus, in this instance, the photographis associated or linked to a reaction emotion of suspicious. The clientsoftware posts the pertinent data to the selfiemoji API server. Theselfiemoji API server saves the selfiemoji into the database. In thisexample, the reaction emotion is determined from user input through agraphical user interface that displays an image captured by the camera.

In FIG. 12, the selfiemoji API server sends pertinent data to the clientsuch as how many reactions, selfiemojis, and so forth are available. Anew category 330 of “Suspicious” is now selected as the desired reactionselfiemoji.

In light of the above descriptions, additional example methods aredescribed in greater detail below. For example, in FIG. 13 a flowchartof another example method for creating and using a selfiemoji isillustrated. This process includes creating multiple pre-generatedselfiemojis, but can be used to create on-the-fly (e.g., real-time ornear real-time) selfiemojis, and individual selfiemojis as well.

In one embodiment, the method includes a step 402 of receiving aplurality of image files from a user device. In some embodiments, eachof the image files comprising a selfie of the user. These can bereceived based on request from an application, server, or third partyservice. The plurality of image files are received through a camera of amobile device controlled through an application residing on the mobiledevice. Alternatively the photos are received through a webcam within acomputer or connected to a computer as a peripheral.

In some embodiments, the selfiemoji application can automaticallyactivate a camera of a computing device utilized by the user. Forexample, when the user selects to create a new selfiemoji, the cameracan be activated by selection of a button or area in a GUI.

For each of the plurality of image files, the method can include a step404 of determining a reaction emotion of an associated selfie based onfacial attributes of the user. Again, this can be done using AI, facialrecognition, or can be based on a selection of a reaction emotioncategory as illustrated in the example embodiments of FIGS. 3-12. Inanother embodiment, the user base community or moderators can “vote” anemotion to associate with a selfie.

Next, the method comprises a step 406 of storing the plurality of imagefiles in a repository such that each of the plurality of image files islabeled with a respective reaction emotion as a selfiemoji, as well asother content that is pertinent to the image and/or the user

These selfiemojis can be stored in a user account on the selfiemojiapplication server. Also, these steps collectively are descriptive ofthe creation and storage of selfiemojis.

In a related process, the method can include a step 408 of receiving arequest to include one of the selfiemojis in a message. This could alsoalternatively include a request to include the selfiemojis in a socialmedia blog post or any online media and articles.

The method also includes a step 410 of inserting one of the selfiemojisinto the message or other appropriate location requested. Again, thiscan be performed at the device level of the end user, through a webinterface provided by a selfiemoji application server, or through athird party service that uses an API to access selfiemoji features.Thus, the message can be formatted for display on a social network orany online or offline media platform.

As noted above, the reaction emotion is determined utilizing facialrecognition software with emotional analysis in some embodiments. Inother embodiments, the reaction emotion can be determined through userbase voting, where the photograph is presented to a plurality of userswho can cast votes for what emotion is likely being presented in thephotograph.

In some embodiments, the method can include providing a plurality ofmatching image files comprising selfies and corresponding reactionemotions generated by other users. As noted above, access to thereaction emotions generated by the user or other users is based onaccess level permissions that can be mediated by a user fee orsurcharge.

In some embodiments, the selfiemoji application is configured todetermine an emotion associated with the message, and automaticallyselecting a portion of the selfiemojis having reaction emotions thatcorrespond to the emotion associated with the message. Again, thisdetermination can be done through AI, facial recognition software,voting, and so forth.

In some embodiments, prior to receiving the plurality of image filesfrom a user device, the method can include providing the user with aplurality of reaction emotion categories. In these embodiments, an imagefile is generated for each of the plurality of reaction emotioncategories.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein can createan historical set from a plurality of image files that are associatedwith a particular emotion. For example, if the user and/or theselfiemoji platform generate selfiemojis for the user over time, theuser's expressions of emotions or reactions may change over time. Thesystem can create an historical set of selfiemojis in the form of anhistorical gif or an historical video of the individual selfiemojis. Thehistorical set allows a user's emotional expressions or reactions to beviewed from a perspective of change or evolution. Thus, the longer auser uses the selfiemoji platform, the more history the user has withthe system and the large volume of selfiemojis may be present forcreation of the historical sets. FIG. 14 is a diagrammaticrepresentation of an example machine in the form of a computer system 1,within which a set of instructions for causing the machine to performany one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may be executed.In various example embodiments, the machine operates as a standalonedevice or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In anetworked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of aserver or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or asa peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.The machine may be a robotic construction marking device, a basestation, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a dedicatedcamera or webcam, a portable music player (e.g., a portable hard driveaudio device such as an Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3 (MP3)player), a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or anymachine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further,while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shallalso be taken to include any collection of machines that individually orjointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform anyone or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 1 includes a processor or multipleprocessors 5 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), or both), and a main memory 10 and static memory15, which communicate with each other via a bus 20. The computer system1 may further include a video display 35 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD)). The computer system 1 may also include an input device(s) 30,such as an alpha-numeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a cursorcontrol device (e.g., a mouse), a voice recognition device and/orbiometric verification unit, a drive unit 37 (also referred to as diskdrive unit), a signal generation device 40 (e.g., a speaker), and anetwork interface device 45. The computer system 1 may further include adata encryption module (not shown) to encrypt data.

The drive unit 37 includes a computer or machine-readable medium 50 onwhich is stored one or more sets of instructions and data structures(e.g., instructions 55) embodying or utilizing any one or more of themethodologies or functions described herein. This drive unit can includeany mass data storage unit. The instructions 55 may also reside,completely or at least partially, within the main memory 10 and/orwithin the processors 5 during execution thereof by the computer system1. The main memory 10 and the processors 5 may also constitutemachine-readable media.

The instructions 55 may further be transmitted or received over anetwork via the network interface device 45 utilizing any one of anumber of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., Hyper Text TransferProtocol (HTTP)). While the machine-readable medium 50 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “computer-readablemedium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media(e.g., a centralized or distributed database and/or associated cachesand servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any mediumthat is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructionsfor execution by the machine and that causes the machine to perform anyone or more of the methodologies of the present application, or that iscapable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures utilized by orassociated with such a set of instructions. The term “computer-readablemedium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to,solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wavesignals. Such media may also include, without limitation, hard disks,floppy disks, flash memory cards, digital video disks, random accessmemory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and the like. The exampleembodiments described herein may be implemented in an operatingenvironment comprising software installed on a computer, in hardware, orin a combination of software and hardware.

Not all components of the computer system 1 are required and thusportions of the computer system 1 can be removed if not needed, such asInput/Output (I/O) devices (e.g., input device(s) 30). One skilled inthe art will recognize that the Internet service may be configured toprovide Internet access to one or more computing devices that arecoupled to the Internet service, and that the computing devices mayinclude one or more processors, buses, memory devices, display devices,input/output devices, and the like. Furthermore, those skilled in theart may appreciate that the Internet service may be coupled to one ormore databases, repositories, servers, and the like, which may beutilized in order to implement any of the embodiments of the disclosureas described herein.

As used herein, the term “module” may also refer to any of anapplication-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), an electronic circuit,a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes one or moresoftware or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/orother suitable components that provide the described functionality.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notnecessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are only used todistinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of thedisclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes” and/or“comprising,” “including” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediatestructures) of the present disclosure. As such, variations from theshapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the exampleembodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed asnecessarily limited to the particular shapes of regions illustratedherein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, forexample, from manufacturing.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same,structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, and/or beseparately manufactured and/or connected, such as being an assemblyand/or modules. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can bemanufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additivemanufacturing, subtractive manufacturing and/or other any other types ofmanufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include threedimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control(CNC) routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming,hydroforming, injection molding, lithography and/or others.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can include, whetherpartially and/or fully, a solid, including a metal, a mineral, aceramic, an amorphous solid, such as glass, a glass ceramic, an organicsolid, such as wood and/or a polymer, such as rubber, a compositematerial, a semiconductor, a nano-material, a biomaterial and/or anycombinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, caninclude, whether partially and/or fully, a coating, including aninformational coating, such as ink, an adhesive coating, a melt-adhesivecoating, such as vacuum seal and/or heat seal, a release coating, suchas tape liner, a low surface energy coating, an optical coating, such asfor tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency,translucency, non-transparency, luminescence, anti-reflection and/orholographic, a photo-sensitive coating, an electronic and/or thermalproperty coating, such as for passivity, insulation, resistance orconduction, a magnetic coating, a water-resistant and/or waterproofcoating, a scent coating and/or any combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Theterms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in anidealized and/or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and“upper” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship toanother element as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Suchrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations ofillustrated technologies in addition to the orientation depicted in theaccompanying drawings. For example, if a device in the accompanyingdrawings is turned over, then the elements described as being on the“lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sidesof the other elements. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures isturned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elementswould then be oriented “above” the other elements. Therefore, theexample terms “below” and “lower” can, therefore, encompass both anorientation of above and below.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the present disclosure in the form disclosed.Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent disclosure. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described inorder to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and itspractical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the artto understand the present disclosure for various embodiments withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of thetechnology to the particular forms set forth herein. Thus, the breadthand scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that theabove description is illustrative and not restrictive. To the contrary,the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives,modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit andscope of the technology as defined by the appended claims and otherwiseappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of thetechnology should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but instead should be determined with reference tothe appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: presenting to a userthrough a user device a prompt or message that incites a reactionemotion facial response from the user; displaying an example selfiemojior emoji to the user to assist the user and re-enforce the reactionemotion facial response required, the example selfiemoji or emojicomprising an example facial response of a face; automaticallyactivating a camera of a computing device utilized by the user, whereina plurality of image files are captured using the camera; receiving theplurality of image files from the camera, each of the image filescomprising a selfie of the user with the reaction emotion facialresponse; storing the plurality of image files in a repository, each ofthe plurality of image files being labeled with the reaction emotionfacial response as a selfiemoji; providing a plurality of matching imagefiles comprising selfies and corresponding reaction emotions generatedby other users, wherein access to the reaction emotions generated byother users is based on access level permissions, wherein the accesslevel permissions allow the user to view a history line of selfmojiscreated by a second user and the history line comprises different typesof selfies and reactions used by the second user; receiving a request toinclude one of the selfiemojis or one of the plurality of matching imagefiles in a message; and inserting one of the selfiemojis or one of theplurality of matching image files into the message.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the reaction emotion is determinedutilizing facial recognition with emotional analysis.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the message is formatted for display on asocial network.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein theplurality of image files are received through a camera of a mobiledevice controlled through an application residing on the mobile device.5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining anemotion associated with the message; and automatically selecting aportion of the selfiemojis having reaction emotions that correspond tothe emotion associated with the message, wherein the one of theselfiemojis is selected from the portion of the selfiemojis.
 6. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising, prior to receiving theplurality of image files from the user device, presenting the user witha plurality of reaction emotion categories, wherein an image file isgenerated for each of the plurality of reaction emotion categories. 7.The method according to claim 1, further comprising applying one or morecomputer generated graphics onto the one of the selfiemojis selected bythe user through a graphical user interface.
 8. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising applying one or more filters to the one ofthe selfiemojis selected by the user through a graphical user interface.9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising applying agreenscreen filter to remove a background.
 10. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the reaction emotion is determined from user inputthrough a graphical user interface that displays an image captured bythe camera.
 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein selfiemojis ofa plurality of users associated with the message are displayed when aninput device of the user touches or hovers over the message.
 12. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising receiving edits to anyof the selfiemojis prior to storage of the selfiemojis, the editscomprising any of filtering, animations, image size, and combinationsthereof.
 13. A system, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storingexecutable instructions, the processor executing the instructions to:present to a user through a user device a prompt or message that incitesa reaction emotion facial response from the user; display an exampleselfiemoji or emoji to the user to assist the user and re-enforce thereaction emotion facial response required, the example selfiemoji oremoji comprising an example facial response of a face; automaticallyactivate a camera of a computing device utilized by the user, wherein aplurality of image files are captured using the camera; receive theplurality of image files from the camera, each of the image filescomprising a selfie of the user; store the plurality of image files in arepository, each of the plurality of image files being labeled with thereaction emotion facial response as a selfiemoji; provide a plurality ofmatching image files comprising selfies and corresponding reactionemotions generated by other users, wherein access to the reactionemotions generated by other users is based on access level permissions,wherein the access level permissions allow the user to view a historyline of selfmojis created by a second user and the history linecomprises different types of selfies and reactions used by the seconduser; receive a request to include one of the selfiemojis or one of theplurality of matching image files in a message; and insert one of theselfiemojis or one of the plurality of matching image files into themessage.
 14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the system isconfigured to generate an historical set from a plurality of image filesthat are associated with a particular emotion, the plurality of imagefiles being captured over a given period of time.
 15. The systemaccording to claim 13, further comprising an application programminginterface that allows a third party application to deliver the requestto include one of the selfiemojis in a message to the system.
 16. Thesystem according to claim 15, wherein the message is displayed on thethird party application.
 17. The system according to claim 13, whereinthe processor further executes the instructions to: determine an emotionassociated with the message; and automatically select a portion of theselfiemojis having reaction emotions that correspond to the emotionassociated with the message, wherein the one of the selfiemojis isselected from the portion of the selfiemojis.
 18. A method, comprising:receiving permission from a user to automatically activate a camera of acomputing device to obtain images of the user when the user is viewing awebsite that implements a selfiemoji functionality or utilizes anapplication programming interface that couples the website with aselfiemoji service; presenting to the user through a user device aprompt or message that incites a reaction emotion facial response fromthe user; displaying an example selfiemoji or emoji to the user toassist the user and re-enforce the reaction emotion facial responserequired, the selfiemoji or emoji comprising an example facial responseof a face; automatically activating the camera of the computing deviceutilized by the user when the user accesses the website, wherein aplurality of image files are captured using the camera; receiving theplurality of image files from the camera, each of the image filescomprising a selfie of the user with the required reaction emotionfacial response; storing the plurality of image files in a repository,each of the plurality of image files being labeled with the reactionemotion facial response as a selfiemoji; receiving a request to includeone of the selfiemojis in a message; and inserting one of theselfiemojis into the message.